Baku: Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), a part of AZCON Holding, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have embarked on a new venture to promote sustainability in aviation with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement marks the launch of the ‘ESG Operationalization’ Technical Assistance Project, aimed at integrating sustainable development principles into AZAL’s operations.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the project focuses on embedding environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) principles into AZAL’s key management processes. The MoU was signed by Samir Rzayev, President of AZAL CJSC, and Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, ADB Country Director for Azerbaijan, with the ceremony attended by Enrico Pinali, ADB Regional Director, as well as representatives from both organizations.
The initiative, financed by the ADB, is aligned with International Civil Aviation Day, observed on December 7. Over the course of a year, the ESG principles are set to be systematically integrated into the airline’s operations to support sustainable financing, green aviation, and biodiversity-focused projects.
Samir Rzayev, President of AZAL CJSC, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating that it represents a critical step in the airline’s sustainable development strategy. He highlighted the importance of ESG practices and the aim to align operations with both national and global development goals.
Sunniya Durrani-Jamal expressed ADB’s enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting the shared commitment to fostering resilient growth through ESG integration in the aviation sector. The partnership aims to further green and smart aviation initiatives in Azerbaijan.
The collaboration also paves the way for future endeavors, exploring low-carbon initiatives, emission offset programs, and green financing instruments. This strategic partnership is expected to bolster AZAL’s ESG strategy and its Net/Near Zero Emissions Plan, enhancing regional connectivity and transparency in operations.